social security

noun

1

: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of individuals and their families

especially, Social Security : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

2

: money paid out through a social security program

began collecting social security

Examples of social security in a Sentence

She is living on social security.

He began collecting Social Security checks.

Recent Examples on the Web

The previous government fell amid protests against a new budget proposing tax increases and higher social security contributions. —Reuters, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026

With an aging population, the government has said Spain needs more workers to maintain its growing economy, pay taxes and contribute to social security. —ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026

Elamaram Kareem, general secretary, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), said that nearly 80 percent of workers in the region are employed on contract terms and should have better access to wage revisions, medical benefits, and social security protections. —Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026

Dwight also alleged that his bag holding his wallet, passport, driver's license, social security card and three credit cards were stolen. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for social security

• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• impurity
• maturity
• obscurity
• purity
• surety

Kids Definition

social security

noun

1

: the idea or system by which the public provides for the security of individuals and their families

2

capitalized both Ss : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

Legal Definition

social security

noun

1

: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family

especially, often capitalized both Ss : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

2

: money paid out through a social security program

collects social security

see also Social Security Act, Social Security Administration